China welcomes US-Iran MoU, urges commitment to peace process

BEIJING: China on Thursday welcomed the signing of the first-phase memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, describing it as an important development that could help reduce tensions and reinforce the momentum of the ceasefire in the Middle East.

Responding to reports that US President Donald Trump had signed the agreement and that Iran had formally finalized the text, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing viewed the development positively and hoped all parties would honour their commitments.

“The signing of the first-phase MoU by the US and Iran is of positive significance for easing tensions and consolidating the momentum of the ceasefire,” Lin said during a regular media briefing.

“China welcomes this move and hopes that all relevant parties, including the US and Iran, will uphold the spirit of the agreement and earnestly fulfill their commitments,” he added.

The spokesperson stressed that military force could not resolve disputes and reiterated China’s longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to lasting peace.

“Force cannot solve problems; equal-footed negotiation is the right path,” Lin said. “China hopes that both the US and Iran will approach the second-phase negotiations with a rational and pragmatic attitude, meet each other halfway and work together to achieve positive outcomes in the next stage of talks.”

Highlighting Beijing’s diplomatic efforts since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Lin said China had actively engaged with regional and international stakeholders to help de-escalate tensions and promote peace.

He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had proposed a four-point framework aimed at safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East, while advocating support for regional countries in building “a common home of good-neighbourliness, development, security and cooperation.”

Lin said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had conducted extensive diplomatic outreach, holding more than 30 telephone conversations and meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials from relevant countries to facilitate dialogue and coordination.

He also pointed to the joint five-point initiative issued by China and Pakistan aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region.

“China will act on the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal and continue to play an active and constructive role in achieving long-term peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region,” the spokesperson said.

The remarks came a day after the United States and Iran formally signed the first phase of the Islamabad-brokered peace agreement, which seeks to end months of conflict and pave the way for comprehensive negotiations on regional security, nuclear issues and broader bilateral relations.